JACK Tiyeinabuwesor Williamson1, ADIELE Kenneth C. 2
1, 2 Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administrative and Management,
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo Port Harcourt.
Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between information sharing and supply chain optimization of pharmaceutical products distributors in Rivers State. The study was conceptualized using information sharing as predictor to supply chain optimization, measured as cost reduction, product availability and strategic flexibility. The study adopted a survey research design. The population of the study comprised 35 major pharmaceutical products distributors in Rivers State. The sample size of the study was the same as the study population. 2 copies of questionnaire were administered to staff (procurement managers and marketing manager) of each of the 35 pharmaceutical products distributors. This means that a total of 70 respondents provided data for the study. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation was used to test 3 hypotheses formulated for the study, relying on Statistical Packages for Social Sciences Version 23.0. The results of the analyses reveals the existence of significant relationship between information sharing and supply chain optimization of pharmaceutical products distributors in Rivers State. Thus, the study concluded that information sharing significantly relates with supply chain optimization of pharmaceutical products distributors in Rivers State; and recommends that managers of pharmaceutical products distributors should adopt information sharing as a means to enhance their supply chain optimization in terms of cost reduction, increase product availability and strategic flexibility.
Keywords: Cost reduction, information sharing, product availability, strategic flexibility, supply chain optimization.